Kennard-Dale girls, York Catholic boys take home YAIAA lacrosse titles

Check out the top plays from Kennard-Dale girls' and York Catholic boys' league title wins on Friday
Matt Allibone, mallibone@ydr.com

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York Catholic head coach Shane Harper celebrates with York Catholic's Jarred Kohl (1) after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers.(Photo: Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun)Buy Photo

York Catholic stuns undefeated Central York in overtime

As the York Catholic junior streaked down the field in overtime of the YAIAA boys' title game Friday, he thought the Central York defense looked a little hesitant. In that moment, he made up his mind.

He wasn't going to look to pass. He wanted the goal.

And he got it.

With multiple defenders closing in on him, Hake fired the winning shot past Central York goalie Blaze Hake to give York Catholic a thrilling 13-12 comeback win. It was the Irish's second YAIAA title in the last three years.

Friday was also Central York's first loss of the season. The reigning YAIAA champions defeated York Catholic 10-9 earlier this season. The Panthers also beat the Irish for the league title last season.

"As soon as I got that ball in my stick, and I saw what was in front of me, I knew I was going straight to the goal," Chandler Hake said. "We wanted this so bad. We were coming into this full force."

Early on, it looked like Central York might roll to its second straight title. The Panthers led 5-1 after the first quarter and withstood a strong York Catholic effort to go into halftime up 9-5.

But the Panthers were dealt a serious blow in the beginning of the third quarter.

Central's star faceoff man, Kollin Vaught, went down with a lower-body injury and never returned, spending the rest of the game on crutches. His younger brother, Brady Vaught, took his place but generally wasn't able to hold off York Catholic's own formidable faceoff specialist, Drew Snelbaker.

With the elder Vaught sidelined, York Catholic outscored Central York 7-3 in the second half.

"It helped us a lot," York Catholic coach Shane Harper said of Vaught's injury. "I give Kollin all the props in the world. I love the kid. It was an unfortunate turn for Central, and of course we took advantage of it."

Down one heading into the fourth quarter, York Catholic scored three straight goals to take a two-goal lead into the final minutes. But Central rallied, getting two goals from Ryan Fahs — the second with 17 seconds remaining — to send the game to overtime,

In the extra period, Brady Vaught won the first possession and Central got a good shot on net. But York Catholic goalie Jarred Kohl, who finished with 19 saves, made the stop and started the transition that led to Hake's winning goal.

"It's kind of natural, you've just got to keep your eye on the ball," Kohl said. "My defense is the best there is and I knew they would get me an outside shot that I would be able to save. I knew we would win in overtime because we had better perseverance."

Hake and Cole Witman led York Catholic with five goals each. Fahs led Central York with four goals while Alex Kilgour had three.

Harper, who previously coached Central York head coach Ryan Muller, shared a moment with his former player after the game.

"Ryan came up to me and said, 'I love you man,' and I said, 'I love you, too,'" Harper said. "The relationships are just amazing. And that's the best part of this sport."

Central York and York Catholic will both move on to the District 3 playoffs. The Panthers (17-1) are the No. 1 seed in Class 3A while the Irish (14-4) are the No. 4 seed in Class 2A.

Muller said the team doesn't know the severity of Vaught's injury yet. He credited York Catholic for making plays at the most important times.

"We just didn't execute," Muller said. "They played a great game and they deserve the credit. This game is all about momentum and they had it tonight."

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Players line up on the field to begin the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Cole Witman (18) scores a goal in the first quarter during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Cole Witman (18) battles against Central York's Robert Stockbower (7)during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Ryan Fahs (1) races down the field overtop of York Catholic's Jack Griffin (17) during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Alex Kilgour (18) scores a goal during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Jack Griffin (17) celebrates with his teammates during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Kollin Vaught (41) celebrates scoring a goal during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The York Catholic Irish hold up their sticks during a timeout at the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Robert Stockbower (7) runs down the field during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Dimitri Amalfitano (7) scores against the Panthers during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Kollin Vaught (41) gives a pep talk to his teammates after being injured during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Ryan Fahs (1) rushes the ball while being guarded by York Catholic's Richard Pokrivka (13) during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Robert Stockbower (7) rushes for the ball against York Catholic's Chandler Hake (12) during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Cole Witman (18) battles for the ball during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Ryan Kilgour (6) celebrates as the Panthers tie up the game in the last seconds during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York players celebrate tying the game up during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Central York's Brady Hauck (9) puts his hands on his helmet as the game goes into overtime during the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Jack Griffin (17) celebrates with teammates after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic head coach Shane Harper celebrates with York Catholic's Jarred Kohl (1) after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic head coach Shane Harper puts a gold medal on York Catholic's Cormac Sterling (22) after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic head coach Shane Harper embraces York Catholic's Dimitri Amalfitano (7) after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Andrew Snelbaker (11) celebrates after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

York Catholic's Mark Shelley (23) celebrates after winning the YAIAA Boys Lacrosse Championship game between York Catholic and Central York, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The York Catholic Irish came back from a 9-5 deficit at the half to win the championship 13-12 in overtime against the Central York Panthers. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The gold medals for the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale are seen, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The Kennard-Dale Rams race onto the field to celebrate during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Susquehannock's Rachel Oestrike (41) races the ball down the field during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale Rams playersrace down the field during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The Susquehannock Warriors cheer on their teammates from the sidelines during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The Susquehannock Warriors get together during a timeout during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale's Morgan Bowings (4) looks for a pass during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale's Mackenzie Young (12) faces off against Susquehannock's Ariana Prediger (43) during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale's Victoria Baublitz (22) gets her stick knocked out of her hands during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Susquehannock's Kenna Hancock (7) is congratulated on her goal by Kennard-Dale's Hannah Dubbs (15) during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale's Mackenzie Young (12) tries to regain the ball against Susquehannock's Ariana Prediger (43) during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Susquehannock's Harley Mummert (22) looks for a pass during the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

The Kennard-Dale Rams pose with their medals after winning the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale's Amelie Gamache (10) is given a medal after the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8. Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun

Kennard-Dale holds off rival Susquehannock for fourth straight YAIAA title

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The Kennard-Dale Rams pose with their medals after winning the YAIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship game between Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale, Friday, May 11, 2018 in Red Lion. The Kennard-Dale Rams defeated the Susquehannock Warriors 9-8.(Photo: Harrison Jones, For The Evening Sun)

With a two-goal lead and 22 seconds to play in Friday's YAIAA girls' lacrosse title game, Kennard-Dale didn't relax.

The Rams knew their opponent too well to do that.

It turned out to be the right attitude. Kennard-Dale gave up a quick goal to rival Susquehannock, leading to one final draw control to decide the contest.

Rams junior Megan Halczuk would win the draw and run out the final eight seconds, giving Kennard-Dale a 9-8 win over the Warriors at Red Lion's Horn FIeld. The Rams have now won four straight YAIAA titles and nine out of 10 since the sport entered the YAIAA.

"We knew that they could score multiple goals in that time," Kennard-Dale coach Kelly Wetzel said. "The game wasn't over by any stretch.

"The papers predicted us to be at the top of the league, but when you lose eight starters, that's hard. We're still getting there. We've improved in leaps and bounds. Victoria Baublitz played awesome defense tonight, knocking passes down. She played lights out."

Friday's contest was the next chapter in the longstanding rivalry between the two teams. Susquehannock beat the Rams in a thrilling overtime contest early in this season.

As expected, the two teams were evenly matched for most of the night. The Warriors got on the board first five minutes into the game on a goal by Kenna Hancock, but gave up consecutive goals after that. At halftime, the Rams and Warriors were knotted at 4-4.

The Rams came out stronger to start the second half, with Morgan Bowing and Halczuk scoring goals in the opening five minutes. While the Warriors kept it close, Kennard-Dale never allowed the game to become tied again.

"In the first half we were kind of frazzled and had a lot of turnovers," Halczuk said. "We just had to focus. It's special and I love it. Three in a row (personally)? I could go for four right now."

Halczuk and Bowings finished with three goals for the Rams while Autumn Kraemer chipped in with two and Maddie Day scored once. For Susquehannock, Riley Roeder scored three times to lead the team while Ariana Prediger scored twice.

The Warriors (16-3) will enter the District 3 Class 2A tournament as the No. 1 seed while Kennard-Dale (16-2) will be the No. 3 seed. Susquehannock defeated Kennard-Dale for the District 3 title last season.

"We've got some tuning to do, and it could have been easily, [if] we make a couple changes, a couple turnovers don't happen — two goals is not that much and we win," Susquehannock coach Steve Marshner said. "We've got to fix the little mistakes, but we're playing good lacrosse."